Spring Moving Guide: How to Prepare Your Garden Plants for Relocation
Spring Moving Guide: How to Prepare Your Garden Plants for Relocation
Spring is one of the most popular—and busiest—times of year to move house. The days grow longer, the weather improves, and for many homeowners, it feels like the right moment for a fresh start. But if you’re a keen gardener planning to take plants with you, spring also comes with a unique set of challenges.
At Albany Removals Ltd, we understand just how cherished your garden can be. Plants often hold years of care, sentiment, and investment. To help ensure they arrive at your new home healthy and secure, here’s our expert advice for getting garden plants ready for a spring-time move.
1. Start With Clear Communication
Before lifting a single pot or trowel, it is essential to clarify what you plan to take with you.
Inform your buyer early. Garden plants—especially those growing in the ground—are considered part of the property unless specifically excluded from the sale. Make sure any plants you intend to take are documented clearly in writing through your estate agent or solicitor.
Any plant in the ground will need to be potted in advance. Mark plants that are moving. Use coloured ribbons or labels so there is no confusion on moving day.
Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone involved knows your intentions from the start.
2. Check Which Plants Can Be Moved in Spring
Spring isn’t always the ideal moment for transplanting, but with care, most plants can handle the journey.
Dormant-season plants (such as trees, shrubs, and many perennials) are best moved in winter, but if the move must be in spring, dig and replant them as soon as possible.
Frost-sensitive species may still be at risk in early spring. Protect roots with fleece, bubble wrap, or layers of newspaper.
Plants that dislike root disturbance—such as some mature shrubs—may not survive the stress. Consider taking cuttings instead.
If you’re unsure, a local nursery or horticultural expert can offer plant-specific guidance.
3. Prepare Your Plants a Few Weeks Ahead
Spring moves often coincide with a surge in growth, so a little preparation can make a big difference:
Prune Where Appropriate
Light pruning reduces bulk, protects branches in the lorry, and allows plants to focus energy on root recovery once replanted.
Control Watering
Heavy, waterlogged soil makes pots significantly harder to move. If the plant tolerates it, reduce watering 5–7 days before the move to lighten the load.
Repot for Transport
Large ceramic pots are beautiful—but heavy and easily damaged. Consider:
Lifting the plant into a temporary lightweight plastic pot
Wrapping the decorative pot separately for protection
This often prevents breakages and reduces lifting risks for our team.
4. Prepare Your Pots and Equipment
Spring weather can mask hidden weaknesses in pots that have endured winter frost.
Inspect pots for cracks and damage.
Keep a few spare plastic pots handy in case something breaks on moving day.
If moving very large pots or anything containing a tree, let us know in advance. Some oversized items may require specialist equipment.
Albany Removals Ltd can advise you on what is safe and practical for our team to move—and when additional contractors may be necessary.
5. Think Ahead About the New Garden
Plants can struggle with sudden temperature changes or unfamiliar soil conditions.
Check the soil type (clay, loam, sandy, acidic, alkaline) at your new property if possible.
Avoid placing outdoor plants inside your home on arrival. Central heating can shock them—especially in spring when they expect cool nights.
Prepare a temporary planting area or sheltered spot in your new garden where plants can acclimatise for a week or two.
A thoughtful settling-in plan helps reduce transplant shock and increases your plants’ chances of thriving.
6. Moving Day: How Albany Removals Can Help
On the day itself, our experienced team will:
Handle pots and plants carefully to minimise damage
Secure awkward shapes within the vehicle
Use protective materials when necessary
Offer practical advice based on real experience—many of our staff are gardeners too!
However, please remember that plants are living things: movement, temperature shifts, and root disturbance always carry some risk. With good preparation, that risk can be reduced—but never fully eliminated.
Final Thoughts
Moving house in spring is exciting, and bringing your garden with you can help your new home feel familiar from day one. With early preparation, communication, and the right care, your plants can make the journey safely—and continue to flourish for years to come.
Albany Removals Ltd is here to support you every step of the way. If you’re planning a move and want to take your beloved plants with you, just let us know—we’re always happy to offer guidance.
